Raw Talent + Passion + Humility + Bright Future = David Rust

The gentle ginger giant has had an amazing 2018, and 2019 is quickly becoming stacked. It is very easy to get lost in a conversation with him but you may need him to repeat a few words as his Scottish accent gets thick especially when he is laughing, and don’t be surprised by occasional F-bombs here and there.

David is 100% on the stage and unlike others, you have a better chance catching him in general admission letting loose and being himself. It is really easy to see why people are drawn to him. A rare gem in this scene. After being able to see him play 5 times this year, he only gets better and hasn’t lost his clubber. If you are a fan of uplift and afraid of a hammering track, David may not be your cup of tea because this man drops nothing but bombs and hammers. Another person leading the next generation of trance into greatness, and I couldn’t be more excited for him.

Welcome back to LA David!  Last year you debut in LA by yourself at Intricacy’s 2 year anniversary.  This year you are doing a B2B with your mate Shugz. How have you two prepared for this set? What shenanigans can fans expect up there?

Danielle: Not for the uplift crowd? 

David: Well, maybe one uplift one, only for the fact that I have an uplifting track coming out on In Trance We Trust, so for promo purposes, but that would be it.

Your influences come from an array of genres, not just trance. How has this helped shape the David Rust sound?

Well I think going back, I have always been into the more aggressive music. I have been troubled, anger teen. You know what I mean. I was always more into hard rock music, new metal stuff like that. I think that comes through in the sound I play now. Because it is all about the more energy.

You have a few chart bangers out currently, including “Tonto”. In Spanish, “Tonto” means ‘silly’ to be nice. How did you come up with the name? Did you know the English translation of the word beforehand?

Well it was actually one of my Argentinian fans that commented on a link when I posted it. The track was actually supposed to be called “Loco” because last time I played in LA, I experienced 4Loko. Just when the track just got signed and I was about to announce it, Greg Downey released a track called “Loco” and I was like “SHIT”. I have to change that, I can’t do that. So I basically ended up being “Tonto”. Tonto in Glasgow where I grew up, means to go mad. So when someone goes ‘tonto’ that means they go mad to start dancing. Then after I found out it meant fucking dumb. And that was that.

You have had a very busy year touring. From closing Luminosity, and headlining a few shows around the world, what have been some of your favorite moments? What do you love and hate about touring?

Well obviously, the travel times. Like I am still working on UK times. I have been waking up, doesn’t matter what time I go to sleep, I am waking up at 5 o’clock religiously every day since I have been here; and I am starting to feel the effects of it now. But the highlights of the year would be Luminosity. Then there was Trance Sanctuary. Closing the main room at Gatecrashers. I have played so many gigs this year. I have played in many different countries. I couldn’t ask for any more. I played maybe 23 gigs this year, and this is my last gig of the year, and what a gig to go out on, Dreamstate.

2019 you already have some big gigs lined up. Can you share any of them now? What are you looking forward to the most?

I can’t really say much. Obviously I have my first ever Asia gigs, which I am looking forward to start the year. I am going to be playing in three different Southeast Asian countries spread out. It was supposed to be in one weekend, but we had to move it over. I’ll be in Bangkok Thailand, that is the first one. And everyone knows me and Shugz are closing the main room at the main stage at Luminosity. That is huge for now.

When you are not performing at events, you are known to be hanging out in the crowds and supporting other artists. Why is this important? Why do you think other artist do not do this?

I can’t really speak for anyone else. But for me personally, I just enjoy the vibes, you know what I mean. Like I enjoy getting in amongst the crowd, even though now a days I can’t really cut loose as much as I use to, because now everyone knows me now. And my hard work is paying off but I enjoy the buzz. At heart I am just a clubber, that is just the place for me and I don’t know why other guys don’t do it.

Finally, if you could only live by one motto what would it be?

Seize the moment. Just live every day in the moment.